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Khadija Adem |

Helen
Meles |
Eritrea
has rich and
mosaic culture reflected by its folk
music. Each region knows its
original music. Yet the base
remained the same. Not only the
rhythm and the melodies do not
differ much, but the instruments and
the lyrics are in the same line. The
Masenko (krar)
and the drums are
used in most of the regions.
The Eritrean music is based on the
so called pentatonic scale. A scale
with 5 notes to the octave.( like
the black notes in the piano). It is
similar to the Scotish, Chinese and
Porto Ricaen music. Its influence
reached neighbouring countries such
as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia, .
Contemporary Eritrean music might be
a potpourri of diverse traditions,
but it has emerged as a unique
blend, with a character all of its
own .It was the music of weddings,
family gatherings and wild impromptu
parties.
Musical instruments in Eritrea
varies from chordophone instrument
such as Krar (masenko) which is the
most common instruments used
throughout Eritrea. Rhythmic
instruments such as drums are also
common in the Eritrea. Eritreans
play also other instruments such as
lute or Oud, as well as western
instruments especially in modern
Eritrean pop-music, such as
saxophone, electric guitar, bass,
violins,(new) are often used.
Normally Eritrean artists release
cassettes and CDs. The are sold in
Eritrea as well as in the Gulf area,
Sudan, Europe Australia and America.
Music
performance in Eritrea are mainly at
wedding celebration, which are in
the open air with the bands at a
small stage.
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We pass the word around; we ponder how the case
is put by different people, we read the poetry; we meditate over the
literature; we play the music; we change our minds; we reach an
understanding. Society evolves this way, not by shouting each other
down, but by the unique capacity of unique, individual human beings to
comprehend each other.
Lewis
Thomas (1913 - 1993),
The Medusa and the Snail (1979)
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